Riot prevention teams deployed to disperse Hindu community protest in Canada

The tension in Brampton has continued overnight, with the area’s Peel Police deploying riot prevention teams to disperse a crowd from the Hindu community protesting against Sunday’s violent clash between Khalistani supporters and worshippers at the Hindu Mahasabha Temple. The police declared the gathering an “unlawful assembly” after reports surfaced of “weapons being seen in the crowd”.

Though the police have so far not made any arrests, sources claimed that videos from social media and the footage collected by the cops was being examined closely and some people may be charged with disorderly conduct. It is also learnt that the police have beefed up security around several places of worship in Brampton and surrounding areas.

While the initial protest, which began at around 6 pm, was peaceful, tensions flared up when a group of protesters gathered near the Malton Gurdwara late at night and raised slogans.

In a press release, the management of Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Malton, alleged that “a mob of hundreds of anti-Sikh, pro-India goons attempted to swarm the gurdwara with an intent to attack.” Hindu leaders denied these allegations, insisting that their protest had been peaceful and ended without incident.

Last evening’s Brampton demonstration, attended by thousands, saw protesters carrying Indian and saffron flags and chanting slogans against Khalistan extremism and the Trudeau government, accusing it of ignoring the concerns of the Hindu community. Social media quickly filled with videos capturing the large crowds and road closures, leading to disrupted traffic. In one video posted by a user named @truckdriverpleb on X, people were seen attempting to stop vehicles; the clip quickly gathered over 55,000 views. Another video, posted by journalist Jagdeep Singh, @NyJagdeepsingh, showed organisers rallying pro-India protesters to march, prompting cheers.

Jeff Lal, a Conservative nomination candidate for Brampton East, clarified that the protest was organised by the Hindu community, not by any temple management. Lal, who also runs the Bharat Mata Mandir on Gore Road, described the gathering as peaceful and aimed at standing in solidarity with the worshippers affected by Sunday’s attack. He reported that approximately 10,000 people participated, beginning around 6 pm with a brief march to the Ebenezer/Gore Road intersection before returning.

Condemning the temple attack as “totally unacceptable”, Lal called for a ban on all protests near places of worship to safeguard their sanctity. He said he had written to Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, urging the city to pass a bylaw restricting protests at religious sites.

Lal further criticised political leaders for stoking divisions, saying, “Hindus and Sikhs are not divided, but politicians are attempting to create a wedge for political gain.” He pointed to figures like Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of Sikhs for Justice who, he argued, are pursuing personal agendas from abroad. “Pannun is sitting in the US, asking Hindus to leave Canada. If he has concerns, he should come to Canadian soil and discuss them,” Lal remarked. He expressed disappointment that most political leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, have avoided directly addressing the aggressive actions of Pannun and other Khalistan sympathisers.

While the current situation remains calm, the heightened tensions are a reminder of the pressing need for Canadian lawmakers and community leaders to urgently address these divisions. By fostering dialogue and understanding between communities, they can work to uphold the ideals of peace, tolerance, and inclusivity that are central to Canada’s identity.